Car mows down Alpine bus bench, injures man

ALPINE  An empty car slipped out of gear and rolled over an 82-year-old who sitting on a bus bench in Alpine Thursday morning, authorities said.

Sidney Griffin of Alpine was hospitalized in critical condition with a skull fracture, the California Highway Patrol said.

The accident occurred about 11 a.m. on Alpine Boulevard at Tavern Road, in front of a 76 gas station and a Circle K convenience store.

The driver of a four-door Volkswagen Jetta, Jason Tajalle, 40, of El Cajon, parked at a gas pump and walked into the store, CHP Officer Brian Pennings said.

Pennings said Tajalle turned and saw his car roll forward across the parking lot then smash into the center of three bus benches along the sidewalk. Griffin, who had been sitting on the bench, was knocked to the ground and pinned under the car.

Fire crews got Griffin out from under the car and he was taken by ambulance to Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego.

Pennings said the incident should serve as a reminder to drivers to make sure their vehicles are turned off and the parking brake is on before stepping away from them.